Your Conservation Story: A Survey for Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge

Thank you for your interest in protecting wildlife at Ohio's only national wildlife refuge complex. Your story helps us understand how to better protect Lake Erie's precious wetlands and the wildlife that depend on them. This survey takes about 15-20 minutes to complete and will help us to work together more effectively.

For questions about this survey, please contact: Aimee Arent, Executive Director at friendsofottawanwr@gmail.com or 419-707-7756.

Part I: Your Conservation Story

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* 1. When did you first begin to think about the importance of protecting wildlife and natural habitats?

In childhood

In high school

In my 20s

In my 30s

I have always cared about conservation

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* 2. What specific moment or experience made conservation feel personally important to you?

Seeing wildlife in their natural habitat

Learning about a threat to a place I love

Teaching a child about nature

Experiencing loss of a natural area

Meeting someone who inspired me

Reading/watching something that moved me

Other (please specify)

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* 3. Describe that moment:

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* 4. Which of these statements resonates most with how you think about yourself?

"I'm someone who protects what I love."

"I'm someone who leaves things better than I found them."

"I'm someone who stands up for those who can't speak up for themselves."

"I'm someone who thinks about future generations."

"I'm someone who acts when others won't."

"I'm someone who brings others together for important causes."

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* 5. What shaped your values? Who or what has been most influential in shaping your environmental values? (Select all that apply.)

Family members who cared about nature

A teacher or mentor who opened my eyes

Friends who share their values

A specific experience in nature that moved me

Learning about environmental threats

Other conservationists in my community

Scientific research or documentaries

Faith or spiritual beliefs

Other (please specify)

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* 6. Your Nature Experiences:
Which of the following have been important in your life? (Check all that apply.)

Time spent birding

Fishing or hunting experiences

Hiking or walking in natural areas

Photography of wildlife or landscapes

Time spent on or near Lake Erie

Experiences with wetlands or marshes

Teaching children about nature

Volunteering for conservation causes

Other (please specify)

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* 7. How did you first learn about Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge?

Within the last year

Within the last 3 years

Within the last 10 years

More than 10 years ago

Share your memory: What brought you to the refuge for the first time?

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* 8. Your Conservation Community: How connected do you feel to others who care about conservation?

Very connected - I'm part of a strong conservation community.

Somewhat connected - I know others who care but we don't interact much.

Slightly connected - I know a few people who share these values.

Not very connected - I mostly care about this on my own.

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* 9. Which of these statements feels most true to you?

"People like me are leading the way in protecting Lake Erie."

"People like me should be doing more for conservation."

"People like me care, but aren't sure how to make a real difference."

"Not many people like me are involved in conservation efforts."

Your Conservation Story: A Survey for Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge

Question Title

* 1. When did you first begin to think about the importance of protecting wildlife and natural habitats?

Question Title

* 2. What specific moment or experience made conservation feel personally important to you?

Question Title

* 3. Describe that moment:

Question Title

* 4. Which of these statements resonates most with how you think about yourself?

Question Title

* 5. What shaped your values? Who or what has been most influential in shaping your environmental values? (Select all that apply.)

Question Title

* 6. Your Nature Experiences: Which of the following have been important in your life? (Check all that apply.)

Question Title

* 7. How did you first learn about Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge?

Question Title

* 8. Your Conservation Community: How connected do you feel to others who care about conservation?

Question Title

* 9. Which of these statements feels most true to you?

* 6. Your Nature Experiences:
Which of the following have been important in your life? (Check all that apply.)